Posted: 1/6/2017 7:55:45 PM EDT
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The wife and I have a pair of Subaru Outback's with manual transmissions. (We both like driving sticks) Recently our 2010 outback has started "popping" when making slow motion turns on hard surfaces, such as pulling into a parking space or making a very sharp turn on asphalt. I can not say that I have noticed it in our gravel driveway. While if you are listing, you can hear it, but more so you can very noticeably feel it in the steering wheel. Today on the way to work in the "Snowpocalypse" (read 1") I noticed my handling was not as good as I thought it should be either. Some of this I know was due to the fact it is time to replace the tires, but I could also feel it in the steering on the slow turns, this was the first time I've noticed at driving speeds, I did not feel it this afternoon at driving speeds after a lot of the snow had melted.
If any one has any Idea's as to what the "popping" might be suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks |
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Symptoms sound like CV joints. Could be trans/differentials though. We've only just bought our first Subaru so I'm not yet familiar with the drivetrain layout and the unique quirks of the AWD system. Not a huge car mechanic type guy, I can take apart and put back together most things, if I know the problem and have a book but diagnosing....I'm about as clueless as a Hillery supporter is about anything in life, other than "feelings". What might one look for to differentiate between a bad CV joint vs trans. differentials? |
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Usually that is one of two things, a bad CV axle or a failing center differential in the transmission.
The CV axles will usually make more noise/popping in one direction over the other, and will also usually have a torn boot slinging all the grease out that keeps the joint going. These are pretty simple to replace once you figure out which is bad. (Left or right) The center diff is a whole other animal, most subaru's have a viscous center diff almost like a viscous limited slip diff in a rear end. They are sealed and have to be replaced as a unit by removing the tail housing of the transmission. Usually this is caused by driving around with mismatched tires. On AWD systems that is a HUGE no-no. |
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...snip What might one look for to differentiate between a bad CV joint vs trans. differentials? Generally a failing CV shaft will have a distinctive "clicking" sound. Try to find a relatively quiet parking lot, roll down the windows, and drive slowly while turning the wheel left and right. If the clicking happens in a turn but not while going straight it's an indicator that the CV shafts need to be replaced. The clicking should happen at the same rate as tire rotation. If the noise is at a higher or lower rate than tire speed it is likely coming from a differential. All of my professional mechanical experience has been on tractor-trailers (20 years) but one principle holds true no matter what problem you're trying to diagnose: a good visual inspection goes a long way. Always start by looking, from as many angles as possible, at the suspect parts. Look for things that are out of place; fluid and grease leaks (indicates seal or gasket failure), unusually clean areas (indicates loose parts rubbing together), rust, etc. This is all general troubleshooting and not specific to any particular vehicle. Mechanics knowledgable in particular vehicle will know specific areas to check. Good luck! |
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It might not be as bad as a CV, our last Outback (we have a 2011 now) had the anti sway bar linkages break, and it would pop when doing slow turns.
I replaced the broken one in the back, and within a week the other one snapped, check those too. Also, did you make sure your traction control was turned off? They drive a little better on unplowed roads with it off, it lets you get some wheel spin. |
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Because it's happening on pavement with the wheels turned I suspect cv axle joint. Manual transmission Subarus have a limited slip central differential that could be slipping if worn.
If it's the axle the noise will come frome in front of you if it's the differential from behind you in the middle of the car. Look at the front drive shafts both have a rubber boot over the cv joint. If one of those boots is torn that's the problem. Both the axle and differential are just parts swaps. |